First-Year & Transfer Students (On-Campus)
Fall Welcome Week Agenda
Friday, August 21st - Academic Day
Your first day of class is rapidly approaching. We want you to start your first semester off right. Academic Day is required for all new students and highlights important tools and resources as you begin your academic career at Ship. Meet your First-Year Experience (FYE) Peer Anchor and engage in small activities to get to know other students in your UNIV101 class. Transfer students can meet fellow transfers and get tips on getting ready for the first day of classes. Later, you will not want to miss Big Red’s New Student Cookout and party with your new shipmates at Let’s Glow Crazy!
Reminder: Please bring the following items with you throughout your entire day: a name tag, FWW bag, agenda booklet, and a pen.
All required programming is listed below in RED.
8:00 AM-4:00 PM – FWW Hospitality Desk.
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
8:00 AM-8:30 AM – Meet Your Fall Welcome Week Leaders. (Required)
Your Residence Hall Floor Lounge
Go to breakfast and then walk to your Intro to University 101 and Transitioning to Ship (Transfer Students) with our Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Students will be dismissed from their halls at the following times:
Your Residence Hall Floor Lounge
Go to breakfast and then walk to your Intro to University 101 and Transitioning to Ship (Transfer Students) with our Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Students will be dismissed from their halls at the following times:
- 8:00 AM— Kieffer & Lackhove Hall
- 8:15 AM— McCune & Harley Hall
- 8:25 AM— Naugle, Seavers, and McLean Halls
8:15 AM-9:15 AM – First Breakfast. (Required)
Reisner Dining Hall
Join your Fall Welcome Week Leaders and new classmates for your first breakfast together. Bring your SU ID to scan into the dining hall.
Reisner Dining Hall
Join your Fall Welcome Week Leaders and new classmates for your first breakfast together. Bring your SU ID to scan into the dining hall.
9:30 AM-10:30 AM – Intro to University 101 (First-Year Students). (Required)
Various Locations
Meet your FYE seminar classmates and your Peer Anchor. You will learn more about the program and be provided with tips and tricks to help you succeed in your classes from day one! Students receive a text with their group number & location.
Various Locations
Meet your FYE seminar classmates and your Peer Anchor. You will learn more about the program and be provided with tips and tricks to help you succeed in your classes from day one! Students receive a text with their group number & location.
9:30 AM-10:30 AM – Transitioning to Ship (Transfer Students). (Required)
Various Locations
Meet with other transfer students and learn tips to prepare for your first day of class at Ship. Students receive a text with their group number & location.
Various Locations
Meet with other transfer students and learn tips to prepare for your first day of class at Ship. Students receive a text with their group number & location.
10:30 AM-11:00 AM – New Student T-shirt Handout. (Required)
Luhrs Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
You can pick up your Ship T-shirt as part of your official welcome to Shippensburg University. You will wear your shirt during Convocation, the official kickoff to the new academic year!
Luhrs Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
You can pick up your Ship T-shirt as part of your official welcome to Shippensburg University. You will wear your shirt during Convocation, the official kickoff to the new academic year!
11:00 AM-12:00 PM – New Student Convocation. (Required)
Luhrs Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
There will be two times in your academic career at Ship when you will be with your entire class: Convocation and Commencement. Don’t miss this important opening to your academic career and hear from this year’s faculty keynote speaker Dr. Robin McCann, Professor of Chemistry.
Luhrs Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
There will be two times in your academic career at Ship when you will be with your entire class: Convocation and Commencement. Don’t miss this important opening to your academic career and hear from this year’s faculty keynote speaker Dr. Robin McCann, Professor of Chemistry.
Red Schedule
(Your group number will determine the times)
(Your group number will determine the times)
12:15 PM – Making Your First Year the Best Year! (Required)
LPAC
Engage in a real discussion on making the best of your college experience while staying safe and having fun.
Session led by: Frederick Shegog
1:30 PM – Lunch with Your Peer Anchor and FYE Class/Transfer Group. (Required)
Reisner Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch with your classmates and Peer Anchor/Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Bring your SU ID to swipe for your meals. Commuters, ask your FWW Leader for meal tickets.
LPAC
Engage in a real discussion on making the best of your college experience while staying safe and having fun.
Session led by: Frederick Shegog
1:30 PM – Lunch with Your Peer Anchor and FYE Class/Transfer Group. (Required)
Reisner Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch with your classmates and Peer Anchor/Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Bring your SU ID to swipe for your meals. Commuters, ask your FWW Leader for meal tickets.
Blue Schedule
(Your group number will determine the times)
(Your group number will determine the times)
12:15 PM – Lunch with Your Peer Anchor and FYE Class/Transfer Group.(Required)
Reisner Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch with your classmates and Peer Anchor/Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Bring your SU ID to swipe for your meals.
1:30 PM – Making Your First Year the Best Year! (Required)
LPAC
Engage in a real discussion on making the best of your college experience while staying safe and having fun.
Session led by: Frederick Shegog
Reisner Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch with your classmates and Peer Anchor/Fall Welcome Week Leaders. Bring your SU ID to swipe for your meals.
1:30 PM – Making Your First Year the Best Year! (Required)
LPAC
Engage in a real discussion on making the best of your college experience while staying safe and having fun.
Session led by: Frederick Shegog
2:45 PM-3:45 PM - Interpersonal Violence on Campus (Required)
Various Locations based on your Academic College
Campus community partners (YWCA Carlisle and DVS Cumberland) will facilitate a discussion of sexual consent and healthy relationships that help students, identify respectful and harmful behaviors, learn about campus and community resources and support, and build knowledge and skills for actionable peer intervention strategies.
Various Locations based on your Academic College
Campus community partners (YWCA Carlisle and DVS Cumberland) will facilitate a discussion of sexual consent and healthy relationships that help students, identify respectful and harmful behaviors, learn about campus and community resources and support, and build knowledge and skills for actionable peer intervention strategies.
- College of Art and Sciences (CAS) – LPAC
- College of Business (COB) – CUB MPR B/C
- College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) – Tuscarora Room
- Exploratory Studies (AEES) – Stewart Hall
5:30 PM-7:30 PM – Big Red's New Student Cookout. (Required)
Student Rec Pavilion/Hockey Rink (Rain Location: ShipRec)
Catch the wave! Join Big Red for a cookout celebrating your arrival and connect with campus partners.
Student Rec Pavilion/Hockey Rink (Rain Location: ShipRec)
Catch the wave! Join Big Red for a cookout celebrating your arrival and connect with campus partners.
9:00 PM-11:00 PM – Let's Glow Party.
West Side Residence Hall Quad (Rain Location: CUB MPR)
Join us for a high-energy night featuring glow-in-the-dark games, a foam pit, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and a live DJ spinning your favorite tracks. When you're ready to switch it up, grab a headset and hit the dance floor at our Silent Disco—three channels, unlimited vibes.
West Side Residence Hall Quad (Rain Location: CUB MPR)
Join us for a high-energy night featuring glow-in-the-dark games, a foam pit, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and a live DJ spinning your favorite tracks. When you're ready to switch it up, grab a headset and hit the dance floor at our Silent Disco—three channels, unlimited vibes.
Saturday, August 22nd - Raider Day
Now that you’re familiar with campus, we are excited to share the beauty of Shippensburg! Join your new Shipmates for brunch, to meet your academic deans, then learn about research opportunities provided to you as a Ship student. Afterwards, explore campus recreation facilities and downtown Shippensburg. Then celebrate your first weekend as a Raider with a Mario Kart Tournament and hidden history tour! We will end the night with our signature event, Breakfast Bingo!
10:00 AM-4:00 PM – FWW Hospitality Desk.
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
Enter through North Prince Street by Ship’s Main Entrance or by the Spiritual Center
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, which follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley Railroad, is open to nature lovers who wish to bike, walk or run. Students can walk the trail anytime throughout the day. Click here for information about the Rail Trail.
Enter through North Prince Street by Ship’s Main Entrance or by the Spiritual Center
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, which follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley Railroad, is open to nature lovers who wish to bike, walk or run. Students can walk the trail anytime throughout the day. Click here for information about the Rail Trail.
12:00 PM-4:00 PM - ShipRec Saturday: Rec the Day.
Kick off the semester with ShipRec Saturday! The Student Recreation Center will be open for all students to explore, move, and play. Get your workout in using our cardio and weight equipment, borrow a bike through our Bike Share Program, or grab some gear—footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs—and head outside. You can even try your hand at disc golf on our on-campus course! Whether you're looking to break a sweat or just have some fun with friends, this is the perfect chance to see everything ShipRec has to offer. No registration needed—just SU ID required.
Kick off the semester with ShipRec Saturday! The Student Recreation Center will be open for all students to explore, move, and play. Get your workout in using our cardio and weight equipment, borrow a bike through our Bike Share Program, or grab some gear—footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs—and head outside. You can even try your hand at disc golf on our on-campus course! Whether you're looking to break a sweat or just have some fun with friends, this is the perfect chance to see everything ShipRec has to offer. No registration needed—just SU ID required.
10:00 AM-11:00 AM - Student Leadership Brunch. (Required)
Reisner Dining Hall
Have lunch with a student leader on campus. Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall. Commuters without a meal plan should visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for a meal ticket.
11:15 AM-12:00 PM – Meet & Greet with the Academic Deans. (Required)
Various Locations
The Dean’s Office leads each academic college. Learn about their role and how they support you throughout your college journey during a meet & greet session. Please see the locations below:
Reisner Dining Hall
Have lunch with a student leader on campus. Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall. Commuters without a meal plan should visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for a meal ticket.
11:15 AM-12:00 PM – Meet & Greet with the Academic Deans. (Required)
Various Locations
The Dean’s Office leads each academic college. Learn about their role and how they support you throughout your college journey during a meet & greet session. Please see the locations below:
- College of Art and Sciences (CAS) – LPAC
- College of Business (COB) – Tuscarora Room
- College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) – Memorial Auditorium
- Exploratory Studies (AEES) – Stewart Hall
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Ship Discoveries Fair.
CUB MPR
At the Ship Discoveries Fair, explore campus resources, connect with student support services, and see firsthand what your peers accomplished through summer research. It's your chance to discover the people, programs, and opportunities that make up the Ship community.
CUB MPR
At the Ship Discoveries Fair, explore campus resources, connect with student support services, and see firsthand what your peers accomplished through summer research. It's your chance to discover the people, programs, and opportunities that make up the Ship community.
12:30 PM-3:30 PM - Explore Downtown.
Check-in at the FWW Hospitality Desk (CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre) to get on the bus.
Discover the student-friendly and beautiful downtown Shippensburg. Our Fall Welcome Week Leaders will lead tours for new students to explore the local library, restaurants, shops, and more! Bus transportation will be provided to get to and from downtown. Students must schedule a time when registering for FWW.
Check-in at the FWW Hospitality Desk (CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre) to get on the bus.
Discover the student-friendly and beautiful downtown Shippensburg. Our Fall Welcome Week Leaders will lead tours for new students to explore the local library, restaurants, shops, and more! Bus transportation will be provided to get to and from downtown. Students must schedule a time when registering for FWW.
2:00 PM-4:00 PM - Raider Wellness Center Open.
Ceddia Union Building (CUB) 121.
Adjusting to college life isn’t always easy—and if you’re feeling homesick, anxious, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Stop by our welcoming, judgment-free Wellness Center to speak openly about the emotional ups and downs that come with being away from home and navigating a new environment.
Ceddia Union Building (CUB) 121.
Adjusting to college life isn’t always easy—and if you’re feeling homesick, anxious, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Stop by our welcoming, judgment-free Wellness Center to speak openly about the emotional ups and downs that come with being away from home and navigating a new environment.
4:00 PM-7:00 PM - Dinner.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
5:00 PM-7:00 PM - Mario Kart Tournament.
Luhrs Performing Arts Center
Join us for an exciting evening of Mario Kart on the big screen! Whether you're racing for first place or cheering from the audience, this event offers fun, friendly competition, and a chance to connect with fellow gamers of all skill levels. Players are first come, first serve, with limited spots available.
Luhrs Performing Arts Center
Join us for an exciting evening of Mario Kart on the big screen! Whether you're racing for first place or cheering from the audience, this event offers fun, friendly competition, and a chance to connect with fellow gamers of all skill levels. Players are first come, first serve, with limited spots available.
8:00 PM-9:00 PM - The Hidden History: Ship After Dark Tour.
Meet in front of the Ezra Lehman Library (Weather Permitting).
Do you think you know your campus? Think again. Join us for a walking tour that uncovers untold stories, forgotten landmarks, and secret legacies woven into the fabric of our university. Limited to 50 students. Sponsored by The History Department.
Meet in front of the Ezra Lehman Library (Weather Permitting).
Do you think you know your campus? Think again. Join us for a walking tour that uncovers untold stories, forgotten landmarks, and secret legacies woven into the fabric of our university. Limited to 50 students. Sponsored by The History Department.
10:00 PM–1:00 AM - Breakfast BINGO.
Reisner Dining Hall
Join one of Ship’s most popular campus traditions, Breakfast Bingo! Fill up on delicious breakfast while getting to know the people who work at Ship. Play Bingo, win amazing prizes, and have a blast with your new Shipmates! With so many prizes to give away, dozens of you will be leaving with gift cards, Ship swag, gift baskets, and other large prizes! Doors open at 9:45 PM. Sponsored by Student Affairs. Don't forget to bring your SU ID card.
Reisner Dining Hall
Join one of Ship’s most popular campus traditions, Breakfast Bingo! Fill up on delicious breakfast while getting to know the people who work at Ship. Play Bingo, win amazing prizes, and have a blast with your new Shipmates! With so many prizes to give away, dozens of you will be leaving with gift cards, Ship swag, gift baskets, and other large prizes! Doors open at 9:45 PM. Sponsored by Student Affairs. Don't forget to bring your SU ID card.
Sunday, August 23rd - Raider Ready Day
Classes begin tomorrow, so Sunday will be a day to prepare for your first day of class and relax.
Noon-4:00 PM – FWW Hospitality Desk.
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre
Don’t know where to go or need help finding a building for any session? Visit the FWW Hospitality Desk for directions!
10:00 AM-2:00 PM – Brunch.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
Noon-3:00 PM – Academic Building Tours.
FWW Hospitality Desk (CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre)
Classes start tomorrow—are you ready? Take a tour and find your classrooms for your first week. Please bring your fall class schedule with you for the tour. Students must schedule a time when registering for FWW.
FWW Hospitality Desk (CUB 1st Floor Desk outside of Orndorff Theatre)
Classes start tomorrow—are you ready? Take a tour and find your classrooms for your first week. Please bring your fall class schedule with you for the tour. Students must schedule a time when registering for FWW.
1:00 PM-3:00 PM – Sunday Sundaes with SGA.
CUB Great Hall
What better way to cool off on a Sunday afternoon than with an ice cream sundae? Stop by the CUB for a free ice cream sundae from the Student Government Association (SGA). Enjoy your sundae, meet other students, and learn how SGA advocates for students and how you can get involved!
CUB Great Hall
What better way to cool off on a Sunday afternoon than with an ice cream sundae? Stop by the CUB for a free ice cream sundae from the Student Government Association (SGA). Enjoy your sundae, meet other students, and learn how SGA advocates for students and how you can get involved!
2:00 PM-4:00 PM – OAR Fall Open House.
Mowrey Hall Second Floor
The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) works with students who have disabilities to provide accommodations, support and connect them with other campus resources. Whether you’re a returning student or new to our office, this is a great opportunity to: request and print your accommodation letters, tour the office and learn about our services, meet the OAR staff and ask questions, drop off disability documentation, and schedule an appointment to get started. No RSVP needed - stop by anytime during the open house hours!
Mowrey Hall Second Floor
The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) works with students who have disabilities to provide accommodations, support and connect them with other campus resources. Whether you’re a returning student or new to our office, this is a great opportunity to: request and print your accommodation letters, tour the office and learn about our services, meet the OAR staff and ask questions, drop off disability documentation, and schedule an appointment to get started. No RSVP needed - stop by anytime during the open house hours!
4:00 PM-8:00 PM – Dinner.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
Reisner Dining Hall
Bring your SU ID to swipe into the dining hall.
8:00 PM-9:00 PM – Food Truck Freebies (while supplies last)
Two locations: Behind Reisner Dining Hall and between McCune and Harley Halls
Join Ship Dining and Student Affairs team for the first Food truck Freebie night. Philly cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks, kettle cooked chips, ice cream novelties and water and Gatorade. Ask any last-minute questions and have a bit to eat as we prepare to kick off the first week of the semester.
Two locations: Behind Reisner Dining Hall and between McCune and Harley Halls
Join Ship Dining and Student Affairs team for the first Food truck Freebie night. Philly cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks, kettle cooked chips, ice cream novelties and water and Gatorade. Ask any last-minute questions and have a bit to eat as we prepare to kick off the first week of the semester.